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Early Care, Lasting Impact

Our Philosophy/Vision

Butterfly Psychiatry envisions a bright future where children, adolescents, young adults, and families feel genuinely empowered, supported, and prepared to thrive emotionally. The practice is dedicated to providing compassionate, early mental health care that fosters lifelong resilience and positive growth. With a warm, collaborative approach, Butterfly Psychiatry promotes emotional well-being by offering evidence-based psychiatric care tailored to each developmental stage, recognizing that life’s transitions can be both challenging and transformative. We understand that even small, intentional steps can lead to meaningful, lasting change.

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”Maya Angelou

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Our mission

Empowering Change Through Care and Connection

Our mission is to provide compassionate, inclusive, and evidence-based mental health care. Inspired by the Morpho butterfly’s symbolism of transformation, hope, and growth, we honor each person’s unique identity, culture, and lived experience. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming, affirming space where all individuals feel seen, respected, and supported as they navigate life’s transitions, build resilience, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Core Values

Our Foundation

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Compassionate Care

We meet individuals and families with empathy, respect, and cultural humility, recognizing the courage it takes to seek mental health support. We provide a safe, respectful, and affirming space where children, young adults, and families feel heard, valued, and supported.

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Growth & Transformation

We honor the process of emotional development and change, supporting each person’s unique journey toward healing and self‑understanding. We recognize that healing occurs through growth, resilience, and meaningful change over time.

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Evidence‑Based Practice

Our care is rooted on current psychiatric knowledge, clinical expertise, and careful collaboration with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members. Our treatment relies on clinical research and expertise, provided through thoughtful teamwork with patients, families, and care partners.

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Family & Community Partnership

We believe mental health thrives through connection and collaborate with families and communities to foster lasting well-being. We believe meaningful healing takes place within relationships and work together with families, schools, and community systems.

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Early Intervention & Prevention

We focus on prompt, developmentally suitable care, understanding that small, deliberate actions can result in lasting positive outcomes.

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Safety, Trust & Advocacy

We provide a safe, affirming environment while advocating for mental health awareness, stigma reduction, and accessible care.

Lorena Lisseth Salazar, DNP

Meet Your Provider

Dr. Lorena Salazar, DNP, ARNP-PMHNP-BC

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in the care of children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 5–30). My goal is for every client to feel truly seen, heard, and understood.

I view mental health as a mosaic shaped by genetics, life experiences, culture, and individual coping styles. I provide holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care in a stigma-free environment, whether in person or via telehealth. It is an honor to walk alongside clients and families in their healing journey.

I earned my Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Gonzaga University and bring over 20 years of nursing experience across intensive care, acute care, community health, and mental health settings. This diverse background informs my thoughtful, evidence-based approach grounded in inclusivity and respect. I offer services in both English and Spanish to ensure clients and families feel supported and empowered.

Areas of Expertise

I provide trauma-informed care for:

  • Neurodevelopmental conditions: ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (COE trained), and learning disorders

  • Mood and anxiety disorders: Depression, OCD, PTSD, and anxiety disorders

  • Specialized support: LGBTQIA+ related concerns and personality disorders

Services & Clinical Approach

I offer comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive psychotherapy. To ensure care is precise and personalized, I incorporate pharmacogenomic testing when appropriate, diagnostic lab work to identify underlying medical contributors, and close collaboration with healthcare providers and educational teams to develop evidence-based treatment plans.

Education & Credentials
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Gonzaga University

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Gonzaga University

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), University of Victoria (BC)

  • Certifications: Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Professional Health & Wellness Coaching

 

My mission is to combine advanced clinical expertise with a warm, collaborative approach to help the next generation thrive.

My journey:

Born in El Salvador and raised in Belize and Canada, I developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and stories. Now rooted in the Pacific Northwest, I enjoy exploring nature, traveling, and discovering new foods. In quieter moments, you’ll find me cooking or enjoying a good show.

 

I often reflect on the morpho butterfly—native to Central and South America—as a symbol of transformation and resilience across borders. Its wings reflect light differently depending on perspective, much like my own journey across countries and cultures has shaped how I see and connect with others. Staying grounded in my heritage while embracing new spaces continues to guide both my life and the care I provide.

Meet Our Team

Our Dedicated Team

Teena Francis

Clinic Practice Manager | Butterfly Psychiatry PLLC

Teena Francis, MSHI, BSN, RN

Teena Francis is a registered nurse with over a decade of experience in nursing, clinical documentation improvement, quality, leadership, and health informatics. She has expertise in ICD-10, DRG methodology, regulatory compliance, and revenue cycle integrity, supporting accurate and high-quality clinical documentation.

 

At Butterfly Psychiatry PLLC, she oversees operations, workflow optimization, compliance, and quality systems to support efficient, patient-centered psychiatric care. Teena holds a Master of Science in Health Informatics and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is licensed in Washington and Oregon.

Patient Testimonials

Words that prove our moving promise.